Navy SEAL: Should You Pick 9mm or .45 Pistol Caliber Carbine?

Published on May 12, 2026
Duration: 15:16

This video provides a comparative review of the Smith & Wesson M&P FPC (9mm) and Ruger LC Carbine (.45 ACP) pistol caliber carbines (PCCs). It covers shooting dynamics, recoil impulse, accuracy at various distances, and ballistic gel testing for defensive ammunition. The analysis highlights the trade-offs between the two calibers in a PCC platform, considering factors like magazine capacity, ammunition cost, and terminal ballistics.

Quick Summary

Comparing 9mm and .45 ACP pistol caliber carbines (PCCs), the Ruger LC Carbine (.45 ACP) offers better ergonomics and a full Picatinny rail, while the Smith & Wesson M&P FPC (9mm) provides magazine compatibility and a self-contained transport system. Recoil and speed drills showed similar times, though the 9mm FPC was slightly more accurate at distance. Ballistic gel tests indicated .45 ACP hollow points create larger wound channels, but both calibers' defensive rounds performed effectively.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction: 9mm vs .45 PCC Deep Dive
  2. 00:18Resurgence of Pistol Caliber Carbines (PCCs)
  3. 00:29Comparing Smith & Wesson FPC (9mm) and Ruger LC Carbine (.45 ACP)
  4. 00:48Firearm Specifications and Features
  5. 01:54Why Choose .45 ACP Over 9mm?
  6. 02:04Recoil Testing: 7-Yard Drills
  7. 03:18Ruger LC Carbine Recoil and Performance
  8. 04:07Recoil Impulse Comparison
  9. 05:27Speed and Transition Drills
  10. 06:15Smith & Wesson FPC Transition Drill Results
  11. 06:46Ruger LC Carbine Transition Drill Results
  12. 07:21Ergonomics and Handling Comparison
  13. 08:13Ballistic Gel Testing: Main Event
  14. 08:44Ruger LC Carbine .45 ACP Ballistics
  15. 10:36Smith & Wesson FPC 9mm Ballistics
  16. 11:429mm FMJ Range Ammo Ballistics Test
  17. 12:549mm vs .45 ACP PCC: Final Takeaways
  18. 13:33Choosing the Right PCC Caliber
  19. 13:54Firearm Design and Transport
  20. 14:15Viewer Feedback and Community Discussion
  21. 14:27Sponsors and Range Acknowledgement
  22. 14:37USCCA App Promotion
  23. 14:59Related Content: Red Dot Options for Pistols

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the recoil of a 9mm PCC compare to a .45 ACP PCC?

Surprisingly, the recoil impulse between the 9mm Smith & Wesson M&P FPC and the .45 ACP Ruger LC Carbine was found to be very similar in testing. While .45 ACP is a larger cartridge, the PCC platform and the heavier weight of the Ruger made the recoil manageable and comparable to the 9mm.

Which pistol caliber carbine is more accurate at longer distances?

During transition drills involving longer distances, the 9mm Smith & Wesson M&P FPC demonstrated slightly better accuracy compared to the .45 ACP Ruger LC Carbine. Both PCCs are generally accurate due to their longer barrels compared to handguns.

What are the ballistic performance differences between 9mm and .45 ACP defensive rounds in a PCC?

Ballistic gel tests showed that the .45 ACP hollow points created a larger wound channel and more fragmentation than 9mm hollow points. However, both calibers' defensive rounds performed effectively, with the 9mm Critical Defense also fragmenting well.

What are the key differences in ergonomics between the S&W M&P FPC and Ruger LC Carbine?

The Ruger LC Carbine is noted for having superior ergonomics, feeling more comfortable and familiar, akin to standard PCC or AR-15 controls. The Smith & Wesson M&P FPC's ergonomics were considered less ideal in comparison by the reviewer.

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